Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My kitten's ears are waxy and itchy. Is it an infection or mites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 22 days old | 8.3 lbs

Does my kitten have an ear infection? At first i suspected ear mites but ive treated him with Revolution for the past two months and he still has dark grains in his ears and excessive ear wax. He scratches his ears and one ear looks worse than the other. If an ear infection, are there any over the counter remedies i could try?? I'm unable to go to a vet.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2017

It is difficult to diagnose an ear infection without examining the discharge under a microscope to see if there are any bacteria, yeast, or mites. Based on the pictures, it does not appear to be a large amount of discharge. There aren't any OTC ear medications for infections but you could clean the ear with just an ear cleaner labeled for cats and see if that helps. Clean three times a week for now and then once weekly and see if that gets rid of all the discharge. If not, he really needs to go to a vet for treatment.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 13th, 2018

    I am sorry to hear about Kovu! I would definitely recommend an exam by a vet if his ears are bothering him. We are not actually usually able to see ear mites with the naked eye and have to use a microscope to examine a swab of the ear contents. We can also have bacterial or yeast infections in the ear which can cause pain/itching/discharge, so the vet can check the swab for these as well. Your kitty may require prescription ear drops or oral medications to treat the problem based on their findings. It can be difficult to tell from these photos but your kitty does look like he might be a little overweight. The vet can give you a better idea of his idea weight when he is examined because we often need to put our hands on a pet to truly tell their body condition.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored